UV Lights and Bird Health

Many beginner bird owners ask me about the importance of a dedicated UV lamp for their birds. Most commonly, they assume that placing their bird's cage near a window, or in a well lit room will be just as good as providing them a UV lamp and bulb.

They are WRONG!

A regular lightbulb does not produce UVA and UVB light the way the sun does. You need to purchase a special UV bulb in order to produce those wave lengths of light. Furthermore, the glass used in home windows contains a UV filter. This filter helps keep the entering sun light from fading walls, carpet and furniture upholstery.

So, why is UV light important?

A large majority of parrots, excluding the Amazon and Hyacinth Macaw, have something called the uropygeal gland near the base of their tail. This glad produces an oil, which the bird spread over its feathers during preening. When exposed to UV light, the oil produces vitamin D3. The bird them ingests the vitamin upon subsequent preening.

In addition to the vitamin aspect of UV light, we have the visual aspect. Birds see the world differently than we do. Without a full spectrum of light, a bird cannot see their world in the way that they should. Their food might look less appealing, their water dingy and their overall environment dull. Would you be happy?

For a more thorough understanding of UVA and UVB lighting for birds, read: Make Your Parrot's Cage Fun and Functional